Good morning,
The earth as we know it is uninhabited. The saved are in heaven and the lost have been judged and have been cast into the lake of fire. God is ready to restore earth to its perfection at the time of creation. He purges it with fire to remove all imperfections created as a result of the fall. (2 Peter 3:10-13)
Then we are introduced to the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21. This will be our study this week.
The great restoration (2 Peter 3:10-13)
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
God purifies the heavens and earth with fire. The impurities such as sin, corruption, and wickedness have all been removed. We are now ready for a new heaven and earth. A perfect earth as it was in the beginning.
Revelation 21
The new heaven and the new earth (21:1-2)
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
Isaiah prophesized the new heaven and new earth in chapter 65:17. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Continue to read the rest of the story, verses 18-25.
The tabernacle of God is with men (21:3)
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
The presence of God will be with His people, and He will forever dwell with them. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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